Hygge has been called everything from ‘the art of intimacy’, ‘coziness of the soul’ and ‘the absence of annoyance’ to ‘taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things’, ‘cozy togetherness’ and my personal favourite, ‘cocoa by candlelight’. – Meik Wiking
I thought I would write my very first blog post about my ‘not-so-new’ new way of life; Hygge (HOO-ga). I had heard the term thrown around here and there, and have seen super cozy photos on Pinterest with this term attached, but never fully understood it. Turns out, I was living the hygge life all along. I am not Danish, in which this term comes from – but hygge has been in my bones, as my son would like to say “for all time”. Danes are rated the happiest people in the world & a lot of it has to do with Hygge.
I will let you know now, hygge is very hard to explain and I will do my best to communicate what I believe it to be in its simplest form – but if you are intrigued, I suggest reading this bestseller. This book will clear up the nitty-gritty’s of it all ( & trust me, it will change the way you look at everything … in the best way).
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
How to hygge
Create the atmosphere
Turn down the lights & light some candles or turn your fireplace on (though starting a fire the old-fashioned way would be MUCH more hygge).
Get comfy & relax
Whether that means getting out all your coziest blankets or putting on your thickest, most favourite, well-worn socks on – even if you aren’t cold.
Shelter
Create a place for you and your tribe…these are your people and no matter where it is, it’s safe and it’s secure.
Be present
Put your cell phone in the other room and be in the here and now – there is nothing worse than spending time with someone while they literally can’t keep their hands off their phone.
Stay equal & in harmony
Don’t fight to be the star of the room – keep everyone on the same playing field, as everyone is equally important, show off all your achievements another day. Share tasks, whether it be preparing food or cleaning up when doing it together. It will seem less like work and more like quality time together.
Build togetherness
No drama
Be thankful
Guilt-free pleasure
Leave a Reply